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Slated for December this year, the science and engineering fair will enable students to showcase their STEM innovations and compete with peers in robotics, ICT, 3D printing, game development, coding, electronics, entrepreneurship, and bio-chemistry.

In line with this upcoming competition, a three-day training of trainers (ToT) event was held this week at K-Lab, Kacyiru, and was attended by 21 trainers.

According to STEMpower Rwanda Country Director Espoir Serukiza, the ToT will equip the trainers with the necessary skills they need to effectively train students across the country.

'We want to work with our different STEM centers across the country to drive innovation and harness hands-on experience. The purpose of the ToT is to make sure these trainers go back to the STEM centers with the right tools and information they will share with students, and eventually use the skills to solve problems in their respective communities,' he explained.

The science and engineering fair will enable students to showcase their STEM innovations and compete with peers in robotics, ICT, 3D printing, game development, coding, electronics, entrepreneurship, and bio-chemistry.

The significance of the ToT was also highlighted by one of the trainers who said it will improve her training skills.

'The ToT will help me and my fellow trainers to efficiently train students in different STEM fields, as we prepare them for the national science and engineering fair,' said Florence Umutoniwase.

After the ToT, the trainers will go ahead to train hundreds of high school students at Ines Ruhengeri, Kibogora Polytechnic, and Gitwe Adventist College STEM centers, three of the nine STEM Centers established by STEMpower in Rwanda.

Meanwhile, speaking on the upcoming science and engineering fair, Karlene Noel Jennings, Regional Public Engagement Specialist for Central Africa at the US Embassy, commended the partnership with STEMpower, noting that the program will positively impact many students.

'This partnership is truly a wonderful opportunity to look at reaching new audiences, especially young women and girls, and encourage their interest in science,' she said.

She added: 'I have true appreciation for the work of encouraging the next generation to collaborate and look at problems creatively, as we try and solve them for the betterment of world.'

It is expected that at least 70% of students who will participate in the program will be young women, in a bid to encourage them to pursue STEM education and careers.

Besides Rwanda, there are other science fairs planned in other countries where the organization has presence. A case in point is the 9th annual Ethiopian National Science Fair slated for next week, two weeks after the end of the second science fair in South Sudan.

These competitions provide students with the opportunity to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative ideas.

So far, STEMpower has established 125 STEM centres in different countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, which are among other things helping bridge the digital divide.

STEMpower, a non-profit organisation promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Sub-Saharan Africa, has partnered with the US Embassy in Rwanda to initiate an annual National Science and Engineering Fair.

IGIHE

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recovery of all cases marks the beginning of a mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the country Marburg-free.

'The outbreak can only be declared over if no new infections arise 42 days after the last confirmed case tests negative,' WHO said in a statement on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Rwanda has reported no new confirmed cases since October 30, 2024, but Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stated that contacts of the last patient, along with those of previously discharged patients, will continue to be monitored until the end of their 21-day observation period.

During this period, the ministry is also expected to leverage the country’s extensive network of nearly 60,000 community health workers to conduct active case finding and test any suspected cases, ensuring that no transmission chain is missed.

WHO Representative in Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, commended the Rwandan government’s efforts in fighting the outbreak and assured continued collaboration until it is conclusively declared over in the country.

'Thanks to the concerted efforts of all involved, Rwanda is successfully emerging from a highly challenging outbreak, effectively mitigating its potentially devastating impacts. I commend the Government of Rwanda for the significant progress achieved. WHO remains committed to supporting these ongoing collaborative efforts until the outbreak is officially declared over,' Dr. Chirombo stated.

Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. Since then, a total of 66 cases and 15 deaths have been recorded.

The cases were reported in two hospitals in Kigali and among the family of one of the first cases. WHO and Rwandan authorities attribute the rapid and robust response to zero community transmission.

Recently, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the outbreak originated from a mining cave inhabited by fruit bats. Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that the virus had jumped from animals to humans, with the 27-year-old index case traced back to a cave where mining activities were ongoing.

'We managed to trace back and find that this outbreak came from a zoonotic origin, and we were also able to find the cave where these particular fruit bats were living, with human activity—particularly mining—taking place. That’s where we found our index case,' Dr. Nsanzimana stated.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press briefing in Kigali on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Media reports indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is grappling with significant financial challenges after ending its campaign with a debt of about $20 million despite raising over $1 billion.

In a post on X sent out on Sunday morning, Trump appeared to mock his rivals, saying, “I am very surprised that the Democrats, who fought a hard and valiant fight in the 2020 Presidential Election, raising a record amount of money, didn’t have lots of $’s left over.”

Touting the Democrats’ financial struggles, Trump highlighted his campaign’s triumphs through low-cost “earned media,” suggesting that Republicans might want to step in and cover the Democrats’ mounting debts.

“Now they are being squeezed by vendors and others. Whatever we can do to help them during this difficult period, I would strongly recommend we, as a Party and for the sake of desperately needed UNITY, do. We have a lot of money left over in that our biggest asset in the campaign was ‘Earned Media,’ and that doesn’t cost very much. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.

Trump’s comments come amid reports that staff and vendors who worked with Harris fear they won’t be paid.

At the centre of the debt claims are allegations that lavish concerts, which featured Jon Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, cost a significant amount, pushing the Democrats’ campaign into its current financial constraints.

Harris’ campaign also spent a substantial six-figure sum to build a set for her appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Additionally, there are reports that her campaign allocated $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s production company, Harpo Productions.

Trump, who served as the 45th President of the United States, pulled off a comeback to the White House after winning 312 electoral college votes against Harris’ 226 in the elections held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

United States President-elect Donald Trump is calling on the Republican Party and its supporters, albeit in a sarcastic tone, to donate funds to their Democratic rivals amid reports of a financial crisis.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The appointment followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Saturday, November 10, 2024.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also made six other appointments to the RBA Board, including the appointment of Viviane Mukakizima as Vice Chairperson. Mukakizima, an experienced civil servant with a strong background in media, has previously worked with various media outlets, including Reuters. She has been working in communications in the Office of the President since 2012.

Others appointed to the Board include Solange Ayanone, Michael Butera Mgasa, Kivu Ruhorahoza, David Toovey, and Anitha D. Umuhire.

In his new role as chair of the Board of RBA, Bimpe will be responsible for guiding RBA’s strategic direction and governance. His appointment coincides with significant changes across various departments within the national broadcaster.

Bimpe has served as CEO of Irembo, a Rwandan software company that develops digital platforms for governments and businesses, since 2022.

Before joining Irembo, Bimpe was the Director of Africa Go-To-Market at Zipline, where he led the company’s expansion across the continent. He also held various leadership roles at Zipline, including in partnerships, operations, and national implementations.

During the Saturday Cabinet meeting, several key figures were also appointed to various positions across key institutions, including the President’s Office, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum.

Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, former Prime Minister, was appointed to the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum as a council member. He was appointed alongside Ambassador Dieudonné Sebashongore, who had served as Rwanda’s envoy to Belgium since 2020, and Ambassador Zaina Nyiramatama, the former Rwandan ambassador to Morocco.

Other appointments included Claudine Uwera, named Senior Strategic Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister. Uwera had previously served as Minister of State for Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Maëva Seka Haguma was appointed Deputy Principal Private Secretary in the President’s Office, and Michelle Umurungi was named Chief Investment Officer at RDB, following her tenure as Deputy Managing Director at Norrsken.

Israel Bimpe’s appointment to the Board of RBA coincides with significant changes across various departments within the national broadcaster.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at a press conference held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, she concluded a week-long series of high-level events focused on the prevention of genocide and related crimes. These gatherings brought together policy experts, academics, civil society, and activists from around the world.

The events, held from November 4-9, aimed to strengthen global efforts to prevent genocide and related crimes, covering critical topics essential to prevention. They included a workshop for women community leaders, an expert consultation on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention.

Commenting on those who portray Rwanda negatively and distort the events following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Nderitu referred to this as 'the power of genocide' and expressed admiration for Rwanda’s extraordinary resilience.

'You know, you are absolutely right when you say that Rwanda was clinically dead after the genocide because nothing was functioning. And I think it’s really one of the wonders of this century, that when you talk about Rwanda in this continent, we are talking about a first among equals, a very strong country that has developed very strong leadership,' she said.

In 1994, Rwanda had basically ceased to exist as a nation. A million people lay dead, out of a population of around seven million, because of a perverted genocidal ideology. Millions more were refugees. Every public institution had been destroyed, and the national treasury was looted.

From wounds of Genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a united nation promoting unity and reconciliation. It has become a role model across Africa and globally for good governance, technology, peacekeeping, and women’s empowerment.

Nderitu noted the international recognition of Rwandans, who now hold significant positions worldwide, and celebrated Rwanda’s resilience as worthy of praise.

'When I hear some of the things that are said, to downplay, for example, the country of Rwanda, I think to myself, this is the power of genocide. That it has such intergenerational power,' she noted.

Nderitu emphasized that genocide execution and denial involves mass mobilization, warning that denial and misinformation are often perpetuated by genocide deniers.

'So we cannot stop the naysayers, but it’s important to understand the reality of where all these naysayers come from because some of them are actually informed by genocide deniers. […] If we fail in prevention, then what happens is that we have to rely on accountability,' noted Nderitu.

Nderitu also expressed concern over genocide fugitives evading justice and residing in UN member states.

'I’ve issued a number of statements calling them out. […] You shouldn’t be protecting them. You should find a way to either try them or bring them home,' she said.

'We want the world to know that whoever is in your country and is a genocidaire or is being indicted for this crime, you need to hold them accountable,' added Nderitu.

Reflecting on criticisms against Rwanda, she noted that 'doomsayers' exist when success is evident.

'So it’s important that I do not think that the kind of things that are said about the country will stop. You know in Kiswahili we say that if you see young children throwing stones at a tree, then you should know that that tree has fruits. There is something good about that particular place,' said Nderitu.

'And there are always all these naysayers. So if you imagine how many people are convicted for this crime, how many people are genuinely remorseful, and how many people out there are tarnishing Rwanda’s name, and so many of them being genocide deniers. And we know that because they even hold conferences, they write papers, they peer review each other. We know that. So consistently trying to bring down what Rwanda is doing. But we are there to provide another voice. I can speak with an unbiased voice and say this is what we are seeing from out there,' added Nderitu.

She commended Rwanda for not only surviving the genocide but also for its willingness to share its experience of resilience and recovery.

Professor Gregory Stanton, who developed the “10 Stages of Genocide” framework, praised Rwanda’s homegrown solutions that prevent its dark past from defining its future.

'I praise this country. You in Rwanda are an example to the whole world. Rwanda, like Germany, has actually faced its past and is now a leader in this whole effort to overcome ethnicity, to overcome nationality, to reaffirm that for all of us, we are part of the same human race,' he noted.

Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasized that hosting these discussions in Rwanda provides the world an invaluable opportunity to learn and deeply understand the severity of the genocide against the Tutsi.

The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu expressed concern over genocide fugitives evading justice and residing in UN member states.

L-R: Professor Gregory Stanton, the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu and Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial at the press conference.

Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasized that hosting these discussions offers an opportunity for the world to understand the severity of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The press conference held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial marked the end of a week-long series of high-level events focused on the prevention of genocide and related crimes.

Professor Gregory Stanton, who developed the “10 Stages of Genocide” framework, praised Rwanda’s homegrown solutions that prevent its dark past from defining its future.

The press conference took place at Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The deal was signed in Sochi by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.

Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic relations on October 17, 1963, when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, just over a year after Rwanda gained independence.

The partnership between Rwanda and Russia is rooted in cooperation in political, military, education, human resource development, training, and cultural ties.

Russia offers scholarships to Rwandan students in various fields and provides training for some officers in the Rwanda National Police.

Over the past 50 years, more than 100 Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities in fields such as technology, law, international affairs, medicine, and political science.

The visa waiver was signed on November 9, 2024.

Both countries foreign ministers after signing the agreement.

Delegates from both countries also held bilateral talks.

IGIHE

This update was provided on November 8, 2024, in a weekly report covering the status of the Marburg virus from November 1 to November 8, 2024. The Ministry of Health reported that out of 1,390 tests conducted, no new cases were detected. However, it affirmed that efforts to prevent and combat the virus continue.

In a recent media briefing, the ministry stated that it is focusing on monitoring individuals who have been in contact with infected patients and providing treatment to ensure the virus does not result in further fatalities. This approach has raised optimism about potentially eradicating the virus in Rwanda.

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana highlighted that efforts include tracking down everyone who had contact with the first confirmed patient, providing swift treatment, and administering vaccines. Rigorous screening protocols are in place at borders, Kigali International Airport, and other checkpoints to prevent the virus’s spread beyond initially affected areas.

“We have vaccinated individuals who had close contact with infected persons to break the chain of transmission. Protecting healthcare workers, especially those treating patients, is critical,” said Dr. Nsanzimana. “We’re ensuring that healthcare providers are well-protected, and vaccination remains the best method to safeguard them and allow them to work without anxiety.”

Dr. Nsanzimana reiterated the goal to prevent any new infections. Nevertheless, the ministry has advised recovered patients to exercise caution and avoid unprotected sexual activity and breastfeeding, as the virus can remain in certain body parts for more than a year, potentially leading to transmission.

On November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that patients who have recovered are undergoing long-term monitoring, as the virus can persist in some bodily fluids. “Recovery means there’s no virus left in their blood, confirmed by two tests taken 72 hours apart. We advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sexual activity until final tests show the virus is entirely cleared.”

“We’re closely monitoring recovered patients to prevent any resurgence, while taking care to avoid stigma. It’s essential not to shun recovered individuals out of fear they might still be contagious,” he added. Those under monitoring may be followed for up to three months, with some cases lasting up to a year, depending on individual medical factors.

“The virus can linger longer in some areas, especially in semen, but tends to disappear more quickly in saliva, urine, and breast milk. We’re conducting regular tests on recovered patients to ensure the virus is fully cleared from these fluids,” he explained.

The monitoring will continue until each individual receives final tests confirming the absence of the virus.

Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.

As of November 4, 66 people had been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.

Marburg symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to contact health authorities for prompt assistance.

Dr. Nsanzimana recently explained that patients who have recovered are undergoing long-term monitoring, as the virus can persist in some bodily fluids.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project was held on November 7, 2024.

The integrated steel plant, with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons, is projected to create 1,000 direct jobs and support Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2) by bolstering the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP.

This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, specifically in the Kimonyi sector.

The plant will source raw materials from local mining sites in Burera and Ngororero districts, capitalizing on Rwanda’s iron ore reserves to drive production.

Output from the plant will include rebar and other essential construction materials.

Additionally, it will process locally mined iron ore, helping reduce the country’s reliance on imports while targeting an export value of approximately $50 million.

Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports and strengthening Rwanda’s position as a key player in the region’s steel industry.

Tiwari expressed a commitment to creating local economic opportunities, emphasizing collaboration with the Rwandan government, partners, and community members to make Rwanda a leader in steel processing.

Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, remarked that large-scale industrial projects like this align with Rwanda’s five-year plan, which targets a 10% annual growth in industrial output.

“This project underscores our commitment to leveraging local resources, reducing imports, and creating decent jobs for Rwandans,' he said.

The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, emphasized that Rwanda’s supportive investment climate, skilled workforce, and stable governance under President Paul Kagame make the country a prime location for international investment.

Das expressed optimism about the opportunities that such favorable conditions present to investors.

In recent years, Rwanda has imported substantial amounts of steel, with 184,000 tons in 2022, 195,000 tons in 2023, and 146,000 tons in the first eight months of 2024.

The new plant is expected to address this demand gap. The Rwandan government remains committed to supporting investors through policies, infrastructure, and security to promote sustainable economic growth.

The groundbreaking cermeony tok place on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry speaking at the event.

Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports.

This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, in Kimonyi sector.

The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, commened Rwanda’s supportive investment climate.

IGIHE

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Kigali on Friday, November 8, 2024, the Rwandan Head of State emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes actionable change, urging leaders to align their words with practical, impactful solutions.

'We should get tired of saying the right things for so long. We want to see the right things happen,' President Kagame stated during a panel discussion at the Kigali Convention Center.

'At a personal level, I have been on this stage saying many things, even repeating myself, and then I see my brothers and sisters, my colleagues, saying the same things over and over. But we need to ask ourselves, even before anyone else asks us, what is there to show for what we have been saying? We really need to get tired of this,' he emphasized.

President Kagame acknowledged that Africa holds incredible potential with its young workforce. He noted that for Africa to position itself as a leading source of global talent, priority should be on improving quality and creating an enabling political environment for young people to thrive.

'Sometimes we forget that beyond providing education and healthcare, and encouraging their participation in their own growth and that of their country, there has to be an environment that allows everything to happen—a political framework that ensures stability, enabling all the actions we talk about,' President Kagame explained.

He added, 'We must build infrastructure that serves young people, and from there, they will excel in entrepreneurship, innovation, or whatever careers can earn them a good living, which everyone aspires to. Africa has everything to be where we want to be. If we fail, we can only blame ourselves.'

Under President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has been at the forefront of youth-driven innovation, setting an example with its commitment to fostering youth development through various initiatives like YouthConnekt.

Launched in 2012 by the Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the YouthConnekt program aims to empower young people by connecting them with resources, skills, role models, and peers to help them achieve socio-economic success.

The seventh edition of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, held under the theme 'Jobs for Youth Through Innovative Skilling', has brought together more than 3,000 youths from across Africa.

During the panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue, focused on advancing Africa’s future, President Kagame was joined by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Mumbi Ndung’u, the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Power Learn.

Prime Minister Matekane urged young people to harness digital solutions available to them today to realize their dreams, including access to credit facilities.

Reflecting on challenges faced by African youth in a rapidly changing world, Mumbi encouraged young people to leverage access to information to drive change within their communities and elevate themselves.

'We have quite an advantage because we have been brought up in a generation where we have access to information. If we look at what we can do with that information, how we can empower ourselves to create change, I think it would take us to the next level where we can rely heavily on ourselves,' she said.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth. She warned that without equipping young Africans, the continent risks losing its values and resources to others.

'Africans, young women and men, have what it takes to conduct their own affairs and lead their own destiny, so never again should you walk out of any room doubting your own ability,” Eziakonwa stated.

During the panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue, focused on advancing Africa’s future, President Kagame was joined by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Mumbi Ndung’u, the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Power Learn.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The agreement, formalized at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, was signed between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) on the sidelines of the ongoing trade event in Lagos. Kanamugire Callixte, Deputy CEO of PSF Rwanda, and Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, represented their respective organizations at the signing ceremony.

Under the MoU, LCCI and PSF Rwanda will collaborate in several areas, including facilitating trade by streamlining procedures, reducing barriers, and promoting the exchange of goods and services between Nigeria and Rwanda; and promoting investment by identifying opportunities in both countries, organizing trade missions, and fostering business partnerships.

Other priority areas include sharing information by exchanging data on market trends, trade regulations, and investment incentives to aid business decision-making; building capacity through joint workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance business competitiveness in both countries; and hosting events to organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums for networking and partnership-building.

The MoU identifies specific sectors for collaboration, such as agriculture (with a focus on Rwandan coffee and tea production), energy, manufacturing, technology, and creative industries.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, praised the agreement as a testament to the two countries’ shared vision of prosperity.

'This MoU is a testament to our shared vision—a vision of a vibrant and interconnected African business landscape where Rwanda and Nigeria stand as beacons of economic collaboration and mutual growth,' he said.

'The Rwandan government is fully committed to supporting this endeavour. We have implemented policies to streamline business procedures, enhance infrastructure, and promote a conducive investment climate.'

The Lagos International Trade Fair, which kicked off on November 1, 2024, is the largest international exhibition in West Africa. During the 10-day event, participants have a chance to network with potential buyers and create business partnerships.

The agreement, formalized at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, was signed between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) on the sidelines of the ongoing trade event in Lagos.

Wycliffe Nyamasege